Multicultural Queensland Charter
One of the purposes of the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 is to promote Queensland as a unified, harmonious and inclusive community by establishing the Multicultural Queensland Charter.
The Multicultural Queensland Charter
Because Parliament:
- honours the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share, and their ancient and enduring cultures
- acknowledges the achievements of our forebears, coming from many backgrounds, and that a bringing together of the cultures of people from many backgrounds forms an integral part of Queensland's identity
- recognises that diversity deepens and enriches our community and provides an invaluable asset for Queensland's future
The Act establishes the following Multicultural Queensland Charter:
- A shared commitment to Queensland and Australia, and a free and democratic society governed by the rule of law, fosters a strong and unified community.
- The people of Queensland come from many diverse backgrounds and have worked, and continue to work, together to build a prosperous, fair and harmonious Queensland.
- The people of Queensland should be able to express and celebrate, in a lawful way, their cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
- Equal rights and responsibilities under the law and equitable access to the services provided or funded by the government for all people of Queensland helps build a fair community.
- A shared commitment, among members of the Queensland community, to mutual respect, fair treatment and valuing the diversity of peoples in the community fosters a caring, safe and inclusive community.
- The creation of opportunities that encourage the full participation of people from diverse backgrounds in the cultural, economic, political and social life of Queensland helps build a prosperous state.
- Sustained, respectful and inclusive engagements between all individuals, groups and the government are a basis for mutual understanding.
- A unified and harmonious community promotes a sense of belonging among its people and builds community confidence and resilience.